Minami-ku, Administrative ward in southern Kyoto, Japan
Description
Minami-ku is an administrative ward in southern Kyoto situated between the Kamo River and Katsura River, stretching from Hachijo Street in the north to the Meishin Expressway in the south. The area encompasses several historical temples and serves today as an economic center with major corporate headquarters.
History
The ward was established in 1955 through separation from Shimogyo-ku, marking a significant change in Kyoto's administrative structure. This reorganization reshaped the city's southern areas under independent governance.
Culture
The district contains To-ji Temple and stands at the former location of Rashomon gate, which gained international recognition through Akira Kurosawa's film. These places are deeply tied to Kyoto's cultural memory and draw visitors interested in the city's artistic past.
Practical
The area is easily accessible by public transportation and offers a good mix of historical sites and modern facilities. Visitors should allow adequate time to explore temples and museums depending on the season.
Did you know?
The area is the only section of Kyoto not surrounded by mountains, making it historically a natural gateway into the city. This geographical feature has shaped the region's role as a transportation hub for centuries.
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Tō-ji
445 m
Katsura Imperial Villa
3.5 km
Rajōmon
476 m
Jōnan-gū
2.8 km
Toba Imperial Villa
3 km
Kisshoin tenmangu
1.2 km
Anrakuju-in
2.8 km
Kyoto Municipal Science Center For Youth
3 km
Jōkō-ji
1.2 kmKitamukizan Fudō-in
2.8 km
Kyocera Gallery
3.4 kmDaitsū-tera
309 mTheatre E9 Kyoto
1.9 km
Katsura Ōhashi
3.2 kmShōkyū Bridge
2.7 km
Kitashinkyō-ji
5.2 km
Muko Citizens Gymnasium
4.6 km明壽院
4 km
Daishi Hall, Toji
555 m
Five-storied Pagoda, Toji
402 m
Golden Hall, Toji
415 m
Lotus Flower Gate, Toji
445 m九条住本寺
1.5 kmKanchi-in Kyakuden
675 mKyoto City Disaster Prevention Center
310 mKuhon-ji
1.5 km
Ruiju Koshū
2.4 km京都市電1829号
3.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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